Chapter 4

As the Hogwarts Express chugged along the tracks, Harry slumped into his seat, a grin plastered across his face. This wasn't just any return from school—it was the start of a whole new chapter. Instead of heading back to the Dursleys' dreary abode, he was bound for Xavier's Institute for Higher Learning. Yes, you heard that right: a school for mutants. 

Harry glanced across at his friends. Ron, who had the unfortunate habit of looking like a confused puppy whenever faced with anything non-magical, was staring out the window with a mix of bewilderment and mild panic. It was kind of adorable, really. Harry could almost hear the wheels turning in Ron's head, struggling to wrap around the concept of mutants. Mutations? Superpowers? Ron's world was clearly tipping off its axis.

Hermione, on the other hand, was practically vibrating with excitement. Her eyes had lit up when she first heard about Harry's new status. She'd already devoured every piece of literature on mutant genetics she could find, probably getting a paper cut from all the turning pages. Hermione had that "I'm-about-to-blow-your-mind" look in her eyes as she peppered Harry with questions about the specifics of his powers and the history of mutant-kind. 

Harry knew that despite their vastly different reactions, both Ron and Hermione were there for him, ready to tackle this new adventure just like they had all the others. It was a comforting thought. After everything they'd been through—dodging dark wizards, surviving school antics, and navigating the occasional giant squid—he was pretty sure they could handle a few superpowers and mutant shenanigans. 

As the train rocked gently and the landscape flew by, Harry's anticipation grew. This year was going to be different, and for the first time in a long while, it was a difference he was looking forward to. The adventure ahead at Xavier's Institute promised not just new challenges, but a chance to discover who he could become beyond the confines of the ordinary. And with his friends by his side, Harry felt ready to face whatever came next with his usual mix of courage, curiosity, and just a touch of reckless bravery.

—

As Harry was lost in thought about his friends' reactions, the compartment door swung open like a scene from a bad sitcom. Draco Malfoy and his lackeys strutted in, all smug smiles and self-importance. It was like the universe was handing Harry a script for the "Trouble with Malfoy" episode of his life.

"What do you want, Malfoy?" Harry asked, trying to sound as annoyed as he felt. Honestly, the guy was like a recurring villain in a cheesy action flick—always showing up at the worst moments.

Malfoy's smirk stretched even further, like he'd just won some twisted lottery. "Just thought we'd check in on the famous Harry Potter's Hogwarts Express adventure," he drawled, his voice dripping with more condescension than a discount soap opera.

Harry rolled his eyes, bracing himself for the inevitable. Malfoy's rants were about as original as a rerun of "The Same Old Drama." But before Harry could fire back with his usual witty retort, Hermione stepped up, her expression a mix of steel and sass.

"We're not interested in your latest attempts at being a nuisance, Malfoy," she said, her voice as firm as a professor's final exam. "So, unless you have something remotely useful to say, kindly exit stage left."

Malfoy's smirk wavered for a second, like he'd just been hit with an unexpected plot twist. But he quickly recovered, his sneer back in full force. "Suit yourself, Mudblood," he spat, his voice laced with venom. "But don't say I didn't warn you when things start going south."

The use of that nasty term made Harry's blood boil. He was about to retort when he felt a familiar surge of power—thanks to his latest mutant upgrades. Channeling the Basilisk's enhanced agility, Harry moved faster than a speeding bullet, grabbing Malfoy by the collar of his robes and lifting him effortlessly off the ground. Malfoy's eyes widened in shock, a mixture of fear and surprise making him look like he'd just seen a ghost.

"Let me go, Potter!" Malfoy spluttered, his voice a mix of panic and disbelief.

Harry leaned in close, his voice low and menacing. "Listen up, Malfoy. I'm not here for your petty insults or your sad attempts at intimidation. So unless you want to end up with more than just a little rough handling, I suggest you and your entourage make yourselves scarce."

With that, Harry let go of Malfoy, who stumbled backward into his friends' arms. The sight of Malfoy trying to regain his composure was almost worth the trouble. As he straightened up, he managed to sneer, though his bravado was clearly shaken.

"Potter, my father will hear about this!" Draco snarled, his arrogance bubbling up like bad coffee.

Harry gave him a look of mock horror. "Oh no, I'm quaking in my boots," he said, dripping with sarcasm. "I'm sure your dad will be thrilled to hear how you got handled by me."

Draco's face turned a charming shade of red, his anger palpable. But before he could blow his top, Hermione stepped in with her usual no-nonsense approach.

"Enough, Malfoy," she said, her voice cutting through the tension like a hot knife through butter. "We've had our fill of your nonsense. Now, kindly leave us alone and find someone else to annoy."

Draco shot a final, furious glare at Hermione before storming out of the compartment, his cronies trailing behind like they'd just lost their best source of entertainment.

As the door slammed shut behind them, Harry and his friends exchanged relieved glances. It was going to be a wild year, no doubt about it. But with his friends by his side and a new adventure awaiting, Harry felt ready to tackle whatever came next.

—

As the compartment door swung shut behind Draco Malfoy and his cronies, the air was instantly lighter. Harry took a deep breath, relishing the satisfaction of having put Malfoy in his place. Ron and Hermione stared at him in disbelief, their reactions as varied as their tastes in snacks.

"Blimey, Harry, that was brilliant!" Ron blurted, his eyes practically sparkling. "Did you see Malfoy's face? You totally gave him what-for!"

Harry's grin stretched from ear to ear. "Thanks, Ron. I couldn't just stand there and let him spout off."

Hermione, usually the voice of reason, seemed a little lost in her own world. She watched Harry with an expression that was equal parts admiration and something new—something that made her heart do a little hop-skip-jump. Ever since Harry's mutation kicked in, he'd been going through a growth spurt, and with the glasses gone, he had this whole new vibe going on. He was taller, more... well, let's just say he was looking pretty impressive. And Hermione couldn't help but notice.

"Harry," Hermione said, her voice a little softer than usual, "I appreciate you standing up for me, but we need to be careful. We don't want to get into trouble."

Harry, still basking in his moment of glory, nodded earnestly. "You're right, Hermione. I'll try to keep my cool."

Hermione's cheeks felt warmer than usual. She tried to focus on the conversation, but Harry's new, more grown-up look was a bit distracting. He wasn't the same scrawny kid who used to need glasses to find his way to the Great Hall. He'd changed, and Hermione found herself grappling with the fact that he might be... well, kind of attractive now.

As Harry chatted with Ron about their plans for the year, Hermione couldn't help but watch him with a mix of awe and confusion. This was new territory for her, and as much as she tried to stick to their usual banter, her feelings were starting to shift in ways she hadn't anticipated. 

The dynamic between them was evolving, and Hermione knew that this school year was going to be full of surprises—some magical, some mutant, and maybe, just maybe, a bit more complicated than she'd ever imagined.

—

As the Hogwarts Express finally clanked into King's Cross Station, Harry practically leapt from his seat, brimming with excitement. He peered eagerly out of the window, his eyes scanning the bustling platform for two figures who had quickly become synonymous with the next big adventure in his life.

"Logan! Ms. Munroe!" Harry shouted, almost jumping off the train in his eagerness to see them.

Logan was easy to spot, despite the crowds. In his trademark leather jacket and with a cigar dangling from his mouth like it was a permanent fixture, he looked every bit the gruff but lovable mentor. He gave Harry a nod of approval, his voice gravelly but warm. "Hey, kid. Made it in one piece, I see."

Ms. Munroe, gliding beside Logan with an air of graceful authority, greeted Harry with a smile that could light up the darkest alley. "Welcome, Harry. We're delighted to have you join us at the Xavier's Institute."

Harry's grin widened as he turned to introduce his friends. "Logan, Ms. Munroe, these are my best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger."

Ron, ever the enthusiastic one, gave a wave so enthusiastic it was practically a windmill. "Hey there! Nice to meet you!"

Hermione, trying to keep her composure despite the confusing flurry of emotions swirling inside her, offered her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you both," she said, though her eyes lingered on Harry a bit longer than usual.

Logan raised an eyebrow, his cigar puffing out a cloud of smoke. "Nice to meet you," he grunted. "Just remember, bub, I don't tolerate nonsense."

Ms. Munroe, ever the picture of serenity, nodded gracefully. "It's a pleasure to meet you both. We're thrilled to make your acquaintance."

Just then, Mr. Weasley spotted Harry and barreled through the crowd like a joyful steam engine. "Harry, my boy!" he exclaimed, scooping Harry into a bear hug that almost squeezed the air out of him. "So good to see you! And who are these fine people?"

Harry laughed, feeling the warmth of the Weasley family envelop him. "Mr. Weasley, this is Logan and Ms. Munroe," he introduced, his excitement bubbling over. "They're friends from the Xavier's Institute."

Logan gave a curt nod, still puffing on his cigar. "Pleasure's mine," he said, though his voice was rough around the edges.

Ms. Munroe offered a warm, dignified smile. "Likewise. We're pleased to meet you."

The platform buzzed with chatter and laughter as the Weasley clan gathered around. Mrs. Weasley fussed over Harry, showering him with questions about Hogwarts and making sure he was well-fed, while the younger Weasley siblings gawked at the new arrivals with wide-eyed curiosity.

Hermione stood slightly apart, her gaze lingering on Harry with a new, fluttery feeling she was still trying to wrap her head around. It wasn't just admiration anymore; something deeper was stirring, and she wasn't quite sure what to do with it.

Harry soaked in the scene, feeling a profound sense of belonging and excitement. With friends new and old, the promise of new adventures, and the comforting chaos of the Weasley family, he knew that this was just the beginning of an incredible new chapter in his life.

—

As the Weasley clan's whirlwind of hugs and well-wishes finally calms, Harry can't help but turn to Logan with the kind of excitement usually reserved for the reveal of a new superhero movie. "So, Logan," he asks, trying to sound nonchalant, though his voice betrays him, "how are we getting to the Institute?"

Logan's grin spreads wider than a Cheshire cat's as he takes a leisurely drag from his cigar. "We're flying in the X-Jet," he announces, with a blend of pride and that special kind of excitement that makes you want to high-five someone. "It's state-of-the-art, built for our unique needs at the Xavier's Institute."

Harry's mouth drops open. "The X-Jet? That sounds epic!" His eyes practically sparkle as he tries to rein in his enthusiasm. "I can't wait to see it!"

Logan chuckles, clearly amused by Harry's reaction. "You're gonna love it, kid. But let's not hang around too long—X-Jet's got a schedule, and it's not in the mood for sightseeing."

As the departure time looms, Harry faces the Weasleys and Hermione, his smile a mix of excitement and melancholy. "Well, I guess it's time for me to head out," he says, his voice tinged with the bittersweet note of leaving his friends behind.

Mrs. Weasley envelops Harry in a hug so warm it's like being wrapped in a cozy blanket of love. Her eyes shimmer with unshed tears. "Take care of yourself, Harry dear," she says, her voice quivering. "And don't you dare forget to write to us!"

Harry returns the hug, feeling a lump in his throat. "I won't forget, Mrs. Weasley," he promises softly. "I'll make sure to visit as soon as I can."

Ron gives Harry a hearty slap on the back, his face a mix of cheerful mischief and genuine affection. "Don't worry, mate," he grins. "We'll save you a seat at the Leaky Cauldron for when you get back."

Hermione stands a little apart, her smile tinged with a sweetness that Harry hasn't quite noticed before. She's still sorting through the fluttery feelings she's been experiencing, something that feels new and exciting. "Take care, Harry," she says warmly, her eyes reflecting more than just friendship. "And don't forget to finish your assignments while you're away."

Harry laughs, feeling the warm embrace of his friends' support. "I won't forget, Hermione," he replies, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Thanks for everything."

With a final round of heartfelt hugs and promises, Harry bids farewell to the Weasleys and Hermione, making sure they know he'll catch up with them at Diagon Alley for the Third Year shopping spree. As he turns to follow Logan and Ms. Munroe, he can't help but glance back, feeling a mixture of excitement and nostalgia as he embarks on his next big adventure.

—

As Harry followed Logan and Storm through the bustling streets near King's Cross Station, his excitement was bubbling up like a shaken soda. They were heading to the X-Jet, and he was practically buzzing with anticipation.

They reached a quiet, inconspicuous alleyway, hidden from the city's curious gaze. Logan and Storm exchanged a knowing look that seemed to say, "Prepare to be amazed." Logan pulled out a small device and pressed a button. The X-Jet materialized out of thin air, looking like something straight out of a high-tech fantasy.

Harry's jaw dropped. "Whoa, is that the X-Jet?" he asked, his voice cracking with awe. "It's even cooler than I imagined!"

Logan, puffing on his cheap cigar, flashed a grin. "Yeah, it's a beauty, isn't it, bub? Now let's get moving before we freeze out here. The X-Jet's got a schedule to keep."

Harry followed them onto the jet, his steps quick and eager. The interior was like stepping into a futuristic dream—plush seats, gleaming controls, and tech that seemed to whisper promises of adventure.

Logan and Storm took their places at the controls. Logan activated the engines, and a low, steady hum filled the cabin. With a confident nod, Logan guided the X-Jet to a vertical take-off position. Harry's excitement skyrocketed as the jet lifted effortlessly into the air, defying gravity with a smooth, graceful ascent.

The city below quickly became a distant blur, London fading into a patchwork of colors. Harry watched in awe as the X-Jet soared higher, the landscape shrinking beneath them. The cloaking technology kept them hidden from prying eyes, adding an extra layer of thrill to the journey.

As they leveled off at cruising altitude, Harry gazed out at the endless expanse of clouds stretching out before him. The sheer magnificence of it all left him feeling like he was in the midst of a grand adventure.

With Logan's gruff charm and Storm's calm efficiency at the helm, Harry knew he was in good hands. As the X-Jet sped toward Xavier's Institute, he felt a surge of excitement and anticipation, ready for whatever awaited him at his new home.

---

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